Wayne “Sparkie” Nolen, age 73, of Forest City, went home to be his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

      Wayne was born January 25, 1947 in Rutherford County to Jennie Mae Nolen who resides in Bostic and the late R.D. Nolen. He worked for Duke Energy for twenty-one years before his retirement and was a faithful member of Crestview Baptist Church. Wayne served as an usher and held the title of “Candy Man” at the church. He was also known for his “secret handshake.” Wayne enjoyed working in his man cave on small engines and on just about anything. He used his “tinkering” skills to be a blessing to many. Above all, Wayne loved his grandchildren dearly. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

      In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wade Nolen.

      Besides his mother, those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of fifty-four years, Arlene Nolen; two daughters, Kim Hutchins (David)  and Kelly Nolen-Circello (Mike) all of Forest City; son, Jamie Nolen (Jamy Robbins) of Forest City; two sisters, Joyce Dobbins (Robert) of Six Points, Patsy Lail (Mike) of Mooresboro and mother-in-law, Hazel Jenkins of Sandy Mush. He is also survived by four special grandchildren, Hayden Hutchins, Hunter Hutchins, Liam Circello and Eleanora Circello.

     The funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at Crestview Baptist Church with Reverend Kevin Rohm officiating. Interment will follow in Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery. The body will lie in state on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

     Memorial donations are requested to the Crestview Baptist Church Building Fund, 630 S. Church Street, Forest City, NC 28043.